Introduction

Our third webinar, hosted by Daley Jones, founder of the MET Police ADHD Alliance, brought the week’s discussions full circle—moving from challenges and strengths into the growing opportunities for neurodivergent people in sport.

Building on the first two sessions, this panel series explored how inclusion in sport goes beyond policy, what it means to truly take ownership of creating change, and how the skills and confidence developed through sport can ripple out into education, careers, and wider life. With speakers sharing perspectives on coaching, mentoring, and life beyond the pitch, Neurodivergent Opportunities in Sport showcased a future of sport that is more open, supportive, and empowering for all.

Watch the webinar here.

Host - Daley Jones

Daley is a Detective Constable with the Metropolitan Police and founder of the national ADHD Alliance for police officers and staff. Diagnosed with ADHD and Dyspraxia, he is an award-winning advocate for neurodiversity in policing and sport. Daley sits on national working groups, co-chairs the ADHD Alliance, and regularly speaks at conferences on neuroinclusion. He also plays a leading role in Neurodiverse Sport, drawing on lived experience to promote systemic change.

Panel 1: Coaching and Mentoring – Building Supportive Pathways

The evening began with Rob Walmsley and Mandeep Ranger, who discussed the importance of coaching and mentoring that truly understands neurodivergence.

Rob is the founder and CEO of ADHD Pirates CIC, a social enterprise dedicated to improving the lives of people with ADHD through awareness, support, and advocacy. He works with organisations, schools, and communities to increase understanding of neurodivergence and create more inclusive environments. Rob’s work combines personal experience with professional insight to challenge stereotypes and champion change.

“Coaches are so influential—they can make or break a young person’s experience. When they know how to support neurodivergent athletes, the whole trajectory changes.” - Rob

Mandeep is a Chartered Clinical Psychologist (HCPC-registered) with over 15 years’ experience in NHS mental health services, including work at Great Ormond Street Hospital and in community care. His specialist expertise lies in the diagnosis and treatment of adults with autism, and he supervises other clinicians in this area. Mandeep also volunteers with the International Paralympic Committee as an International Psychologist-Classifier, assessing athletes at Paralympic Games and advising on inclusion for athletes with intellectual impairments.

“Mentoring is about being present, listening, and helping people see their own potential. It’s not about telling them who to be—it’s about walking alongside them.” - Mandeep

Together, Rob and Mandeep highlighted that effective coaching and mentoring isn’t about one-size-fits-all solutions, but about fostering trust, flexibility, and encouragement.

Panel 2: Taking Ownership of Inclusion – Beyond Policy

Jess Meredith

Next, Jess Meredith and Leah Godfrey explored how inclusion can’t simply be written into policy—it requires active ownership and accountability at every level.

Jess is the founder of Differing Minds, a consultancy and training organisation dedicated to neurodiversity services. She specialises in workplace inclusion, training leaders and teams to build environments where neurodivergent individuals can thrive. Drawing on lived experience, Jess is passionate about reshaping culture in organisations, ensuring neurodiversity is recognised as an asset rather than a challenge.

Jess shared her perspective as both an advocate and participant.

“When we wait for big policy shifts, change is slow. But when clubs, coaches, and even teammates take ownership, that’s when inclusion becomes real…
It’s not just about having the right policies—it’s about people showing up every day with the intent to include…
The real shift happens when inclusion becomes part of the culture, not just something written down.” - Jess

Leah is a leader in EDI and culture change within elite sport and business. She is co-founder of L2 Foundry, an organisation dedicated to empowering women’s sport and business through neurodiversity, equity, and innovation. Leah’s career includes senior leadership roles in strategic development, consultancy, and education, with a focus on inclusive leadership and sustainable culture change. She is also a keynote speaker and published writer on equity and wellbeing.

“Inclusion isn’t just a document. It’s about individuals taking responsibility every day—asking what they can do to make sport accessible and safe.” - Leah

This session drove home the point that cultural change is lived and practiced daily, not simply declared.

Panel 3: More Than Sport – Transferable Skills and Life Beyond the Pitch

The final mini-panel featured Dan Smith and Alan Stracey, who spoke about how the benefits of sport extend far beyond competition.

Dan is a representative with Unite the Union, where he campaigns for neurodiverse inclusion and fair treatment in sport and the workplace. Known to friends and family as a “lifetime adrenaline junkie,” Dan is open about being ADHD, dyslexic, and having Tourette’s—using his platform to make sport (and other areas of life) more welcoming and accessible.

“For me, sport was the gateway. It gave me confidence, routine, and resilience that carried into my education and my job.” - Dan

Alan is a neurodiversity trainer, ADHD coach, and mental health advocate with over 20 years’ experience in the creative industries. He works to help neurodivergent individuals optimise performance, manage well-being, and leverage their unique strengths rather than masking or conforming.

Alan echoed Dans sentiment.

“The skills we learn in sport—teamwork, problem-solving, managing pressure—they’re life skills. They stay with you long after the final whistle.” - Alan

Their discussion reminded us that neurodivergent opportunities in sport are not confined to the field; they ripple into careers, personal growth, and community life.

Final Thoughts

This third webinar captured the essence of why neuroinclusive sport matters. By rethinking coaching, taking ownership of inclusion, and recognising the wider impact of sport, we saw how opportunities for neurodivergent people are expanding in exciting and meaningful ways.

Neurodivergent Opportunities in Sport showed that sport is not just a place for competition, but a platform for growth, empowerment, and lifelong success.

Follow

Daley Jones (host)

LinkedIn: Daley Jones
Instagram: @daleyjones84
Website: ADHDAlliance

Rob Walmsley (panel 1)

LinkedIn: Robert Walmsley
Website: ADHDPirates

Jess Meredith (panel 2)

LinkedIn: Jess Meredith
Website: DifferingMinds

Leah Godfrey (panel 2)

LinkedIn: Leah Godfrey

Dan Smith (panel 3)

LinkedIn: Dan Smith

Alan Stracey (panel 3)

LinkedIn: Alan Stracey

ND Celebration Week 2025: Neurodivergent Opportunities in Sport